Fractures of trapezium are uncommon carpal bone fractures and often unrecognized lesions. We investigated about operative treatment of trapezium fracture.

Seven patients with fractures of trapezium were evaluated after surgical treatment with a mean follow up time of 18 months (12 months~3 years). Functional assessment (pain, limitation in activities of daily living, satisfaction), physical examination (range of motion, grip strength), and radiographic evaluation were performed. Traumatic arthritis and carpometacarpal joint subluxation were confirmed by radiograph.

During study period, 122 cases were carpal bone fractures, and seven of 122 cases were fractures of trapezium. All cases were intra-articular fractures of trapezium. 1^st carpometacarpal joint dislocation at 4 patients, Bennett's fracture at 1 patient, hamate hook fracture at 1 patient, and base of 4th proximal phalanx fracture at 1 patient were associated with fracture of trapezium. Open reduction and internal fixation were performed at 6 cases and 1^st carpometacarpal joint arthrodesis was performed at 1 case because of neglected fracture. One of 6 cases which were performed to open reduction and internal fixation was reoperated to external fixation due to reduction loss. Clinically 6 patients revealed good results. one of 7 patients experienced limitation of thumb opposition.

Based on the good results obtained with surgical intervention, we advocated open reduction and internal fixation for fractures with intraarticular depressed more than 2 mm or combined with Bennett's fracture or carpometacarpal subluxation.